An ache for distant places.

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Sighisoara, Romania & Casa Vlad Dracul

Segesvar (Hungarian) aka Sighisoara (Romanian) aka Schassburg (German) is a striking and well-preserved medieval Transylvanian city in Romania that was originally founded by Saxons in the 1100s. Like Biertan, it is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

For a few days I kept a close eye on myself and watched for any strange symptoms, but it healed and now… I guess I’m fine now. No blood lust or anything. My friend and I hopped a train from Szekelyudvarhely (Odorheiu-Secuiesc in Romanian) to Sighisoara and were shaken down by some adorable Roma kids who wanted his cookies.

Taking the train from Szekelyudvarhely to Sighisoara.

We checked into the lovely craftsmen dwelling villa, Fronius Residence and I was completely giddy with my underground suite. The villa has nine different rooms, each with a different name and concept, and were embellished with gifts of candy, nectarines, and mineral waters.

We stayed at the Fronius Residence, another lucky 13.

This hotel is OLDER THAN AMERICA.

The Augusta Room, underground.

Just look at this breakfast spread.

Patio Garden at Fronius Residence.

Hidden cellar bar

After our short trip to Biertan, we returned to Sighisoara and set out for more adventure.

These cobblestone streets beckon you to follow

From Fronius, looking to the right toward the center of Sighisoara

Looking left from Fronius, you can see the dark entrance to the Covered Stairs.

Scara Acoperita, the Covered Stairs. 200 uneven rocky stairs took us nearly 1,400 feet high in the smoldering heat. I thought I was going to die. I almost wanted to die. WORTH IT.

At the top of the stairs you will find the Church on the Hill, a Saxon cemetery, schools, and other structures.

Church on the Hill, Biserica din Deal

Inside the Biserica

Tombs under the Altar

Across from the Church on the Hill is this lovely Saxon cemetery

Joseph Haltrich School

We made it back down the stairs accompanied by a man playing American pop favourites on the fiddle.

Be sure to stop in and eat at Hotel Transylvania

Delicious fried pork and smoky polenta dripping with roasted garlic oil. It is tradition here to add a splash of white vinegar on most dishes, similar to the American dash of table salt. Simple, but this was my favourite meal during my entire two week vacation, highlighted with some local wine. My friend wanted mashed peas with his meal but the waitstaff is extremely vocal against ordering items outside their suggested pairings.

The Clock Tower, Turnul cu Ceas

The Clock Tower also holds the city’s History Museum.

Cloister Church overlooking the River Tarnava

Breathtaking views from the Clock Tower

Looking down to the citadel, with Dracul House on the left

On the top right you can see the Ropemaker’s Tower

HOT AS BLAZES outside, but I could not miss this photo op with the Ropemaker’s Tower between us.

Not far from the Clock Tower is Casa Dracula, a bar, restaurant, and Dracul museum. This is the birthplace and childhood residence of Vlad Tepes the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracul, the man who inspired Dracula. He ruled the Walachia region in the mid-1400s and drove terror into the hearts (and through the heads) of everyone around.

Famous Dracul (dragon) sign with Clock Tower in the background

I’m not going to tell you what happened in this room, you will have to experience it for yourself.

Lovely Bistro on the side of a cliff, just to the left of the entrance of the Covered Stairs.

This was a rather strange meal for me, as I do not like corn or tomatoes, but the view more than made up for it, the chicken was good, and the lemonade was DIVINE.

We took a little walk on the way to get dessert and coffee. I love the colourful buildings and intimate structures, it was all very inviting and comforting. On the right is St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church.

Drool-worthy desserts and coffee had tough competition against the half dozen gorgeous waiters tending to us. I took my time, that’s for sure.

Stag House Hotel and Cellar Bar

Earlier in the day we watched a Romanian wedding begin to assemble, now the wedding party meets outside.

I hope to return to Transylvania again next summer to see the insides of the other towers and to stuff my face again with polenta. Sighisoara is such a beautiful place that I can hardly stop dreaming about it.

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